It's been about 10 years since I first bought functional tights. I was feeling some discomfort in my knees and was looking for something better when a skier friend introduced me to them. At the time, only a select few skiers were using them, so of course there weren't many options, so I bought the CW-X as recommended. At the time, tights hadn't yet become mainstream, and people would look at me like I was some kind of weirdo if I wore them, so I remember always wearing pants to hide my appearances when I ran. A few years later, as I recall, they became widely known around the time mountain girls started appearing, and now I can wear them openly
Nowadays, functional tights are worn by many athletes and are even used in everyday life, with so many different types available from various manufacturers that it can be difficult to choose
This time, we selected three different models of functional tights with different features to see if they are suitable for trail running, and compared them by actually using them
table of contents
About sports tights compared this time
Even when it comes to functional tights, there are many different types depending on the purpose and function. This time, we have selected three different types of tights that trail runners can use from practice to races
- ASICS MMS LONG TIGHT 2.5
- Wacoal CW-X Generator Model (Revolution Type)
- C3fit Inspiration Long Tights
the MMS LONG TIGHT2.5 a pair of running tights from the well-known ASICS brand that offers the ultimate in support for runners the Generator model functional tights from CW-X . Supporting the knees, lower back, and hip joints, as well as the buttocks and thighs—all crucial muscles for supporting the body—they protect against the movements common during sports. Finally, the C3fit Inspiration Long Tights are one of the few long tights with a graduated compression design that promotes blood circulation, just like compression stockings, a general medical device. This circulation-boosting effect reduces swelling and maintains comfort even when worn for long periods of time. At the same time, they also improve exercise efficiency by suppressing excess muscle vibration during exercise.
Test environment
The following five points were set as indicators for the evaluation items and the review was conducted
- Support: We evaluated how much support the tights provided for running movements on the field. We also focused on how wearing them affected running
- Comfort: No matter how good the functionality, if the shoes feel uncomfortable to wear, they're all for nothing. We evaluate the comfort of the shoes, whether they slip or feel uncomfortable while running, and the stress of wearing them for long periods of time
- Mobility: It would be counterproductive if wearing tights restricted your movement. Here, we check the ease of movement, such as whether there are any factors that negatively affect each movement while running
- Fatigue: I compared the feeling of fatigue during and after exercise. This is a somewhat subjective question, but that's unavoidable
- Durability: Trail running, in particular, involves a higher risk of tearing from twigs and thorns than usual, so I'm concerned about the durability of the fabric. While rigorous testing isn't possible, I've compared the durability of the fabric by using it in a somewhat challenging way
With these five points in mind, I ran on the road and on trails with a relatively large number of ups and downs for several days with each model. I also tried wearing the shoes for long periods of time throughout the day to gauge their comfort when worn for extended periods of time
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
| comprehensive evaluation | AAA | AAA | AA |
|---|---|---|---|
| item |  |
![C3fit Training Inspiration Long Tights (3F06320) [Men's]](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81vKbUyVy9L._SS300_.jpg) |
 |
| Reference price | 19,440 yen | 12,960 yen | 14,040 yen |
| Here is ◎ | Outstanding support and stability throughout your movements | Comfortable to wear, easy to run in, and less fatigue | Support for flat running |
| Here is △ | The support is a little too strong and can be a bit tough to wear for long periods of time | I don't feel much support | Difficult to wear, restricting large movements other than running |
| Support | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| mobility | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| fatigue | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| durability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Specifications | |||
| item | CW-X Generator Model (Revolution Type) | C3fit Inspiration Long Tights | ASICS MMS LONG TIGHT 2.5 |
| Actual weight | 198g (Large size) | 154g (Large size) | 172g (Large size) |
| material | Body (cutout): 70% nylon, 30% polyurethane; Support part: 45% nylon, 35% polyester, 20% polyurethane | 75% nylon, 25% polyurethane | Body and support: 2-way tricot VM II Body: 52% nylon, 48% polyurethane Support: 36% nylon, 33% polyurethane, 31% polyester |
| Muscle and joint support | ○ | ○ | |
| Graduated compression | ○ | ○ | |
| Antibacterial and deodorizing | ○ | ||
| UV resistant | ○ | ○ | |
Impressions of each model
Wacoal CW-X Generator Model (Revolution Type)
The CW-X taping pattern (photo left) shows that the taping runs freely across the entire lower body. Incidentally, there is a key pocket on the left hip, which is not found on the other two models
CW-X's high-performance tights currently come in four models: Generator, Stabilix, Expert, and Style Free. The Generator model used this time is the top model in the CW-X series, providing support for the entire lower body, including the waist, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, and calves
At first glance, the fabric seems sturdy and difficult to put on, but it's actually quite stretchy and easy to slip on, making it the most comfortable of the three models. The taping, however, is barely stretchy, but provides firm support, creating a very defined feel that I found appealing. I could really feel the support from my waist down to my entire lower body
When you actually try running in them, that "sense of support" becomes even more convincing. It's not like your feet automatically move forward or anything like that, but it does firmly support each and every movement, giving you a sense of stability. That's the strong impression I got from this model: you literally feel the support
Especially when going downhill on a trail run, you can suddenly land unstable or twist your body in a way that would never happen during normal running. I was able to run with less anxiety even when faced with such unexpected movements. The stability of my lower body was simply amazing
However, the support is strong enough that anyone can feel it. For high-level runners who are in good shape from running, it may feel too tight, so for those people it may be better suited for LSD on regular roads where you tend to just go with the flow rather than for a real race
C3fit Inspiration Long Tights
Even when you turn it inside out (photo on the left), you can see that it doesn't offer any support. However, there is a support around the pelvis, so it's perfect for people who don't wear underwear when wearing tights
This model uses medically certified compression stockings. the ASICS MMS LONG TIGHT 2.5 and CW-X Generator models, model to, it does not have any taping functionality. Its main difference from other models is that it aims to improve exercise efficiency by promoting blood circulation and reducing muscle shaking.
Just to be clear, this does not mean that C3fit only sells these types of tights; they have a range of products to suit different purposes, including the Element Air Long Tights and Impact Air Long Tights
When I actually tried them on, I found them to be exceptionally soft and comfortable compared to the other two. They're also light. The gentle, graduated compression feels so good that it almost feels more comfortable to wear them than barefoot. Of course, I didn't feel any stress even after wearing them for long periods of time
My first impression after running in them was that they didn't really give me the impression of clearly improving my performance, and it may be difficult to feel the support they provide, especially when doing low-impact movements like road running. However, when running on a trail with lots of ups and downs, I felt better than usual when climbing, and my leg lift wasn't bad either. Rather than feeling like each individual movement was being promoted by the effect of the taping, I was able to run with a sense of ease, like, "I'm in good shape today."
We also compared the shoes during high-intensity training, such as hill sprints, and when we continued wearing them after training, we felt that the fatigue in our legs was reduced the most, perhaps due to the improved blood circulation, which made it easier for fatigue substances to be expelled.Of course, this comparison was made after knowing the features of the product, so we cannot completely eliminate the doubt that this was due to preconceived notions, but we felt that the shoes reduced fatigue to a degree that other models did not
It's hard to feel the direct support that comes with taping, but these tights give the impression of bringing out slightly better overall condition when worn
ASICS MMS LONG TIGHT 2.5
The taping is shown inside out (photo on the left). The main areas, from the waist to the thighs and knees, are well supported. Incidentally, the vertical stripes on the tights are said to have the effect of making you look slimmer
Of the three items, this is the only running model
First of all, they are extremely difficult to put on. I've tried several types of tights before, not just the ones I'm reviewing, but these are by far the most difficult to put on. I was able to get them on up to my knees, but it took me a while to get the support part in the right position from my knees to my thighs to my buttocks
Of course, the fabric outside of the support area is stretchy, but even there it doesn't stretch as much as the other two models. My thighs and butt are a little thick and large, which may be why they're difficult to wear... If you're going to buy them, I highly recommend checking the size carefully and trying them on first
However, compared to the CW-X support tights, which are the comparison, the support feeling isn't as strong immediately after putting them on. However, when I was running, I was able to naturally maintain my posture and form even in the latter half of the run, and it was very easy to run steadily. You can't expect support that you can feel in every detail of your movements, but I think these are support tights that will help runners maintain their natural running ability for long periods of time on the road. However, when it comes to flexible movements like in trail running, the tightness is more of a concern, so I might not recommend them
Detailed review of each item
Support
CW-X ★★★★★
C3fit ★★★☆☆
Asics ★★★★☆
First of all, CW-X provides the most support. The taping effect gives you an excellent sense of support right from the moment you put it on. It provides solid support not only for running, but for a variety of movements. It may be perfect for trail running, where a variety of movements are involved rather than just running
Asics taping also has an effect, but this one seems to be designed so that you can feel the effect after running for a certain amount of time. It may be that it supports you so that you can run without losing your posture in the second half of the run
On the other hand, C3fit mainly promotes blood circulation through compression, so you don't feel the effect of taping, but it does give you a sense of support that makes you feel like your body is in better condition than usual
The difference in taping patterns between CW-X (right) and ASICS (left) (left photo: front, right photo: back)
Comfort
CW-X ★★★★☆
C3fit ★★★★★
Asics ★★★☆☆
Comfort was judged based on how well the shoes felt against the skin when worn, how comfortable they were to wear, and how comfortable they were to wear for long periods of time
As expected, the C3fit has no taping, so it's soft and comfortable to wear for long periods of time without causing any stress. The moderate compression is very comfortable, and it makes you feel like wearing them might be more comfortable than going barefoot!
On the other hand, the other two models have a slight pressure sensation due to the taping, and wearing them for long periods of time, regardless of whether you are moving or not, gradually becomes stressful. The manufacturers of the models with taping seem to warn against this, but it seems best to only wear them when exercising
In terms of finer details, only the CW-X has its hems carefully finished with a serger to increase strength
mobility
CW-X ★★★★☆
C3fit ★★★★★
Asics ★★★☆☆
With all models, I didn't feel any stress or restriction in my movements when performing basic running movements. However, the Asics tape is tight, and I felt a slight grip when lifting my thighs while going uphill. As it is advertised as being for running, it seems that it was not designed for more strenuous movements that are not usually performed while running
The ASICS fabric is less stretchy than the CW-X, but the C3fit offers the best freedom of movement out of the three, thanks to the lack of taping
Comparison of stretch between CW-X and ASICS (top: CW-X / bottom: ASICS, left column: regular section / right column: taped section)
fatigue
CW-X ★★★★☆
C3fit ★★★★★
Asics ★★★★☆
Regarding the feeling of fatigue during and after running, although it felt less tiring than when running barefoot, there were some complex differences in the impressions
First of all, in terms of fatigue felt while running, CW-X and Asics, which have support from the taping, clearly made movement feel lighter, and in that sense, I felt less fatigued. Because the taping supports the running movement itself, I think the fatigue felt from it was reduced compared to usual
On the other hand, the feeling of less fatigue with the C3fit isn't due to the ease of running, but rather the fact that fatigue doesn't remain after running (faster recovery?). This may only be my impression as it wasn't an objective experiment, but at the very least, the blood circulation-promoting effect definitely made me feel more comfortable after running than when I ran barefoot
From a sensory perspective, CW-X and Asics have a taping effect, so movement feels easier during exercise and fatigue is less likely to be felt, but I get the impression that C3fit is superior in terms of preventing fatigue even after exercise
durability
CW-X ★★★★☆
C3fit ★★★☆☆
Asics ★★★★☆
For this review, I only wore each pair of shoes four or five times from new, so although I washed them each time, I haven't yet judged their durability over long-term use. So, this time, I'm going to test whether they'll tear if they get caught on something on the trail or if you fall, which is a concern for trail running. The fabric of all models is neither too thin nor too thick, so I don't think they'll tear even if they get caught on a twig or thorn on the trail. However, I felt that the C3fit was the most likely to tear if you fell. I feel like they're more likely to tear if stretched areas like the knees or areas without taping rub against each other too hard
The C3fit fits so well that it shows the shape of your knee when you bend it. It's not see-through, but it stretches quite a bit, so it looks like it might tear if there's friction
summary
The three models we compared today are all based on the premise of "running support," "sports support," and "blood circulation promotion," and therefore we cannot recommend one model as the best for everyone. Again, it's important to remember that factors like support and fatigue relief are not easily quantifiable, and evaluations must rely on subjective feelings
After comparing them and thinking about how I would choose them, I chose CW-X, which offers outstanding support, for short to medium distance races when you are a beginner with insufficient muscle strength or if you are worried about the performance of your lower body (including due to injury) C3fit is recommended for those who are more interested in reducing the accumulation of overall fatigue rather than supporting movement or performance, or for long distance races I recommend Asics for those who want to increase their distance and run on the road only, whether for training or racing.
In winter, the cold weather can cause poor circulation and stiff muscles, making you more susceptible to unexpected injuries. If you're worried about this, it might be a good idea to try high-performance tights. We hope this article will help you choose the right tights
We also recommend this article about sports tights
Takashi Yokoyama
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